"You cannot give yourself to God and money" (Mt 6:24). Although few admit it, money is God's greatest competition, that thing which we are most tempted to put ahead of God. "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tm 6:10). Money is the means to pleasure and a life of self-satisfaction. Money facilitates worship of self. Consequently, many young rich men and women continue to walk sadly away from Jesus (Mk 10:22).
Like Judas, many commonly sell Jesus for a few pieces of silver (Mt 26:15) or even for the petty pleasures that money can buy. For example, Esau sold out for just a bowl of red soup (Gn 25:30-34).
"How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" (Mk 10:23) It all comes down to God or money, lifestyle, and self. We must consider "riches nothing in comparison" with God (Wis 7:8) and consider God's word "more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Ps 119:72). We must "put aside everything to follow" Jesus (Mk 10:28).
| PRAYER: | Prayer: Jesus, I choose You over riches and pleasure. |
| PROMISE: | "God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit." –Heb 4:12 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life! (Jn 11:25) Praise Him always and forever. Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College